PUTRAJAYA: Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the ministry to review its policies and plans to stay on track in developing rural communities.
In his New Year's address to ministry staff, Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, cited the Rural Development Policy 2030 (DPLB 2030) and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry 2025 Strategic Plan.
He said these policies and plans must be reviewed to ensure alignment with the 13th Malaysia Plan.
"We are now in the final phase of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Everything that has been implemented needs to be assessed to evaluate achievements, identify gaps, and address weaknesses in services for rural communities."
He added that transitioning to the 13th Malaysia Plan requires "bolder and more radical" planning.
"We must not treat this as a mere formality but ensure that we are truly on the right path to developing rural communities," he said.
Zahid also called on the ministry to collaborate with independent research bodies to evaluate its plans and policies.
Meanwhile, Zahid said he has instructed Universiti Kuala Lumpur to conduct a study on satisfaction levels in rural communities about the provision of basic needs, infrastructure, and socio-economic development initiatives.
"The findings are crucial to ensure our plans remain relevant and impactful," he said.
Zahid added that the ministry must strive to plan proactively, as it can no longer afford to simply react to issues.
"In the past, we held strategic meetings and engaged with the ministry's agencies and subsidiaries.
"This year, I want us to further accelerate our strategic collaborations through a cross-functional approach.
"We must harness the full strength of each organisation under the ministry, leveraging their diverse skills and experiences to achieve a common goal."
He outlined three main clusters—human capital, economy, and entrepreneurship—that will be central this year.
"The human capital cluster will align the roles of institutions such as the Orang Asli Development Department, Community Development Department, Majlis Amanah Rakyat, and the Institute for Rural Advancement, among others, in the fields of education, skills training, and capacity building for rural communities, including TVET.
"The economy cluster will focus on economic development, poverty eradication, infrastructure improvement, and increasing the income of rural communities.
"The entrepreneurship cluster aims to guide and support rural entrepreneurs, helping them become more competitive both nationally and internationally."